Literary language is a non-dialectical form of existence (subsystem) of the national language, characterized by certain features. These include codification, normativity, stylistic differentiation, multifunctionality, as well as high prestige in society, among its carriers.
In this article we will consider the features of a literary language, its functions, as well as the very concept, its properties and definition.
Literary language is the main tool that caters to the social environment of communication needs. It is opposed to other, non-codified subsystems - dialects, urban vernacular (in another way - city koyne), as well as social and professional jargon.
Two ways to define a concept
Literary language as a concept can be determined by the linguistic properties that are inherent in this subsystem of a particular national language, as well as by delimiting the entire population of people who are carriers of this subsystem, separating it from the total mass of speakers of this language. The first is a linguistic method of definition, and the second is a sociological one.
Literary language from the point of view of V.V. Vinogradov
From the point of view of V.V. Vinogradov, literary language is a common language in which the written language of a certain people or several of them exists. That is, it includes the language of all cultural manifestations, most often expressed in writing, but sometimes also in oral, as well as fiction, journalism, science, written communication, school education, official business documents. Therefore, such forms of it as oral-colloquial and written-book are distinguished.
Various terms related to this concept.
This term is related in its origin to such a concept as "literature", and in the etymological understanding it means that it is based on the "letter", that is, on the letter. Accordingly, it is a written language. Indeed, if we look at the language of the Middle Ages, we will only talk about the language of writing, the totality of texts that have a literary purpose. Other features of the literary language follow from this definition with the help of the term, therefore they seem understandable and logical.
The diverse terms that have accumulated on this subject are, in fact, only an attempt to get out of the dead end of formal logic: conceptual signs are revered for belonging to a non-existent object, and he himself is determined through them. Signs of the literary language will be examined by us below.
Literary language as a function of national
Of the many definitions, the most acceptable is the definition of it as a function of the national language. That is, literary is only a form of using the Russian language, and not a separate, independent language. This understanding is in line with the scientific tradition, it is determined by the historical approach to the analysis of the literary language. At the same time, this interpretation explains the existence and development of various spheres of "cultural speaking", since the existence of a literary language as a term is justified. In fact, the latter is only a form of existence of a national (national) language, and not just a speech in the narrow sense of the word. Over time, colloquial forms were supplanted by the increasingly developing "cultural" forms, the selection of linguistic forms as the structure of the language developed, and constitutes the main content of this historical process.
The main features of the literary language we consider below. Let's say a few words about language functions.
Multifunctionality of the Russian language
The concept and features of a literary language stem from its functions. Any sufficiently developed language has two main varieties for the purpose of use: live spoken language and literary language. We have mastered the conversation since childhood. The development of the second variety occurs continuously, throughout the life and development of a person, right up to his very old age.
The Russian language today is multifunctional, that is, it is used in many different areas of human activity. Functions of the literary language (grammatical constructions, vocabulary) are also functionally delimited. The use of language tools directly depends on the type of communication. In the literary language (you will find signs of the Russian literary language a little lower) there are two main functional varieties: book and colloquial. Accordingly, the book and spoken language stand out. In oral speech, there are three pronunciation styles: conversational, neutral and full.
The main property that characterizes the book language is the ability to save text and therefore serve as a means of communication between different generations.
Its functions are numerous, as are the signs and norms of the literary language; they all become more complicated with the development of society.
The leading role of the literary language
Among other varieties that are observed in the national language (social and territorial dialects, vernacular, jargon), it is the literary language that invariably plays a major role. It contains the best ways to name objects and concepts, express emotions and thoughts. There is a continuous interaction between him and other types of language, non-literary. In colloquial speech, this is manifested most clearly.
Thus, the literary language represents the basis of the culture of our speech, as well as the highest form of existence of the national language. It is used in the media, education, literature, culture. Serves various spheres of human activity: science, politics, official-business communication, legislation, interethnic, everyday communication, television, print, radio.
Signs of a literary language
With the term itself, we figured out. We now note the main features of the literary language. This is sustainability (i.e. stability), processability (since it is a language that has been processed by various masters of the word: scientists, poets, writers, public figures), a must for all people who are native speakers, the presence of certain functional styles, as well as normalization. Here are the most important features of a literary language.
Normalization
Normalization means a fairly specific way of expression, which reflects the historically specific patterns of development of a given literary language. This feature is based on the language system itself, fixed by the best examples of literary works. The normalized way of expression is preferred by the educated part of the population. As a set of certain rules for the use of words, the norm is necessary to preserve the general understanding and integrity of the national language, in order to transmit information from generation to generation. If it did not exist, such changes could occur in the language as a result of which people living in different parts of our country would cease to understand each other.
Workability and codification
Signs of the literary language are also processing and codification. Processing appears as a result of selection, and purposeful, all the best that is in it. This selection is carried out in the process of using the national language, as a result of research conducted by public figures, philologists.
Codification means the consolidation of its norms in the scientific literature. It is expressed in the presence of appropriate grammar dictionaries, as well as other books that contain rules on how to use the language.
These features of the literary language also appear to be very important.
Other symptoms
A sign of stylistic diversity implies the presence of many functional styles.
The literary language is also characterized by common usage and prevalence, conformity with the customs, use and capabilities of this language system.
We examined the main features of the Russian literary language. One of the main tasks of speech culture is to protect it, as well as its norms, because the literary language unites the whole nation in terms of language. The main role in its creation invariably belongs to the advanced part of the population.
What should be the literary language?
By all means, the literary language must be generally understood, since any members of society must be able to perceive it. He should be so advanced as to be able to serve the main areas of human activity. It is important in the speech to observe the lexical, grammatical, accentological and orthoepic norms of the language. Therefore, a very serious task facing linguists is to consider any new thing that appears in a literary language from the perspective of its correspondence to general trends in language development, as well as to optimal functional conditions.
The more accurate and correct the speech, the more accessible it becomes for understanding, the more expressive and beautiful it is, the more it affects the reader or listener. To express yourself beautifully and correctly, you need to follow certain logical laws (evidence, consistency), as well as the norms of our literary language, the unity of style, take care of harmony, and avoid repetition.
The main features of the literary pronunciation of the Russian language have developed on the basis of Central Russian dialects, their phonetics. Today, under the pressure of normalized, literary dialects are destroyed.